Lowest Team Score Records in Cricket Explained
The records for the lowest team innings totals in Test, ODI, and T20I cricket, and what caused these historic collapses.
Lowest Team Totals by Format
| Format | Total | Team | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test cricket | 26 all out | New Zealand | England | 1955 |
| ODI cricket | 35 all out | Zimbabwe | Sri Lanka | 2004 |
| T20I cricket | 21 all out | Netherlands | Sri Lanka | 2014 |
| First-class cricket | 6 all out | Marylebone CC | Surrey | 1810 |
New Zealand's 26 All Out in Test Cricket
New Zealand were dismissed for 26 by England at Auckland in 1955 — the lowest total in Test history. England bowled New Zealand out in 27.3 overs on a pitch offering considerable help to the seamers. The innings lasted only a few hours and New Zealand ultimately lost the match by an innings. The record has stood for over 70 years, illustrating how difficult it is to be bowled out for even lower totals in a five-day format.
Causes of Record Low Scores
- Exceptional bowling — a world-class attack in ideal conditions can dismantle any batting lineup
- Poor pitch — damp, green, or crumbling surfaces can assist bowlers dramatically
- Nervous collapses — once a batting side begins to fall quickly, panic can set in
- Understrength batting orders — injuries or tactical mistakes in the lineup leave teams exposed
- Weather extremes — conditions like severe overcast and humidity maximise swing beyond normal
Frequently asked questions
What is the lowest score in T20 international cricket?
Netherlands scored 21 all out against Sri Lanka in 2014 — the lowest T20I total in history. The Netherlands were bowled out in 10 overs, with only one batter reaching double figures.
Can a team score 0 in cricket?
In first-class cricket, scores as low as 6 have been recorded. Zero is theoretically possible if a team is bowled out with all batters dismissed for zero, but in practice ducks, wides, no-balls and byes mean a score of zero all out would be nearly impossible in a full innings.